I just purchased a M&P 380 ez and really like the feel of the gun. I noticed during inspection there is some slide to frame play near the barrel. I watched a lot of reviews on the gun before purchasing and many videos showed 0 play or wiggle between frame and slide. Am I getting too picky?

I can't see the gun, and don't know what "some play" is exactly; but I have never seen one with "zero play." A press fit would not move.

The important thing is that the slide and barrel return to the same relative position after the shot, within manufacturing tolerances.

If this is your first semi-auto, some lessons might be in order.

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Science plus Art

Consistent (i.e., automatic) barrel to slide fit after each shot means there will also be consistent barrel to sight fit.

That, in turn, means that unless the barrel and ammo are defective, and the shooter does his or her job well, the shooter, not the gun, will control where the bullet goes.

Even if the slide is somewhat loose/sloppy on the frame, the gun can still be accurate.

Good Slide to frame fit, unless it's accompanied by good barrel to slide fit, doesn't do much to make the gun more accurate.

No, you're NOT too picky, but M&P do tend to have a more industrial fit, some nice an tight, and some very, very, sloppy...

I was looking at AR's yesterday, some high dollar AR's, and most were very nicely fit upper to lower, and one, well it was a un-acceptably sloppy at that price point...

but I've got the same luck as you do apparently,, as mentioned what matters most is does the slide and barrel lock up nicely once its in battery..

I just bought an EZ this weekend, and I noticed the same thing, I think. There is space between the serial number and the "Smith & Wesson" writing. If i hold it up to the light, I can see the spring. Just would like to know if this is normal. Thanks.

That sliver of a gap between frame and slide is normal. I’m talking more of a clicking and wiggle when the slide is on the frame

So, how does it shoot?

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What, me worry?

Mass produced each part made to same spec. Assembly is one part from each box. Looser tolerances.

Want a tight fit.. Try a Les Bear 1911.. Know for a very tight fit.
But you'll need to dig deep to pay for one.

These are mass produced self-defense and duty grade pistols, not match grade target pistols. Looser tolerances usually mean a pistol that will function reliably, even when dirty. Don't sweat a little slop in the slide to receiver fit.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

For the price point, you aren't going to get a had fitted gun from any manufacturer.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

How does it shoot?
If it hits where you or another skilled shooter is aiming, I would shoot the snot out of it and understand it was not a $4000 hand fit firearm.
Mine wobbles, it hits where I am aiming, and I have shot the snot out of it. Great firearm for the money.